August is a favorable month for the vegetative propagation of many kinds of plants.
Layering – rooting a section of a plant in the earth while it is still attached to the mother plant is a sure method that requires no expensive equipment.
Rhododendrons may take a year and a half to 2 years, but when a new one is rooted, you have a good-sized plant already started.
Steps To Layer Rhododendrons
The first step is to prepare the soil. Loosen the soil 2′ feet from the shrub, mixing the top 2″ inches with equal parts of peat moss and sand, and raking it fine. Firm it by tramping.
Select stems that are pliable enough to be bent without breaking. Make a slight incision on the underside of this season’s growth.
Bring this down in contact with the prepared soil. Use care lest you snap off the shoot. Next, insert 4-inch wooden pegs or thick wire shaped like a hairpin just behind the incision.
Heap about 2″ inches of soil over the shoot and water. Keep the area moist but not soggy. Sun and air circulation help induce rooting.
As the weather becomes colder, apply more peat moss, cover with leaves or hay, placing branches on top.
Remove the top covering gradually, keep moisture constant in summer, repeat the procedure, and detach shoots the second spring.
44659 by J Mckenna